Passing of Kevin Smith
Passing of Kevin Smith
There was widespread sadness and deep regret at the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend Kevin Smith who died on 29 December at his residence in Larrigan, Carrickaboy, Co Cavan after an illness. Kevin was a much loved man who endeared himself to so many people in different walks of life and he has left a lasting impression on those he met through his friendliness and good humour.He was a tireless worker who never spared himself in the service of others and never said no. He was a former treasurer of his native club Killygarry and after he moved to live in Crosserlough he quickly became involved with the club. He served as vice-chairman and then chairman and was development officer at the time of his passing. He is remembered as an outstanding chairman and he was to the forefront of many of the exciting developments that have taken place at Plunkett Park, Kilnaleck in recent years.
As development officer of Cavan County Board GAA Kevin left a great legacy. He brought his experience as an engineer with Cavan Co Council and later Irish Water to bear on many aspects of his various roles and the GAA and community organisations in Cavan were the beneficiaries. He served on the management committee of Cavan GAA and he did extensive work on infrastructural projects as a member of Kingspan Breffni Development Committee and in particular the Polo Grounds Centre of Excellence at the rear of Kingspan Breffni. He was involved in the Breffni Gallery, the half-time draw for Cavan Youth Board, the Health and Wellbeing committee, and many other sub-committees in addition to being vice-chairperson of Cavan Ladies’ Board. In his role as development officer he was in constant contact with the clubs of Cavan and he was a man who shared his knowledge, his talents and his widespread experience with anyone or any community group that asked. He visited club grounds gave officers his wisdom and good advice and helped in assisting with grant applications and in planning long term visions. It is fair to say that anything Kevin got involved in was done in a thoroughly professional way and in a voluntary capacity.
Kevin will be missed by his countless friends and work colleagues but especially by his devoted wife Olivia and family whom he adored. The county of Cavan is a poorer place because of his untimely passing but many people and organisations have been enriched by working with him or just knowing him. Cavan Co Board GAA offers deepest sympathies to his wife Olivia, daughters Áine and Niamh, son Michael, parents Cissy and Michael, sister Patricia, Olivia’s parents Brendan and Patricia Keaney, the extended Smith and Keaney families and the Crosserlough and Killygarry clubs on their great loss.
Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
